Nirukta of Yaskacharya Chapter 2

More About the Webinar
Yaskacharya, the pre-Paninian linguist and etymologist, was a man of comprehensive knowledge. He wrote Niruktam, the first ever treatise on the science of Etymology, which is a commentary on the five chapters of Nighantu, the glossary of Vedic words. Niruktam is regarded as a Vedanga. Sayanacharya, the commentator of the Vedic Samhitas, gave the definition of Niruktam as अर्थावबोधे निरपेक्षतया पदजातं यत्रोक्तं तन्निरुक्तम्। 

Niruktam is that in which derivation of words is given, without any prejudice, for better understanding. Sometimes, a word is split in syllabic segments and then the derivation is given. Niruktam has 12 chapters divided into 3 sections; the synonyms (chapters 1–3), homonyms (chapters 4–6) and names of deities (chapters 7–12) occurring in the Vedic literature. Chapters 13 and 14 form the Appendix

The fundamental concept of etymology is that every word is derived from a verb. To facilitate this, Yaskacharya has given some principles for derivations – वर्णागमो वर्णविपर्ययश्व द्वौ चापरौ वर्णविकारनाशौ। धातोस्तदर्थातिशयेन योगस्तदुच्यते पञ्चविधं निरुक्तम्॥ Adding a syllable, transporting a syllable, modifying a syllable or deleting a syllable and attaching extended meaning to a verb are the five principles that form the baseline of every etymology. 

The Nirukta of Yaska, a unique treatise in etymological study, is rich in the analytical observation on Vedic words. The study based on the Nirukta reveals some of the divergent areas of ancient Indian linguistic thoughts.

This webinar will cover Chapter 2 of Nirukta.

Webinar Highlights

• Principles of Nirukta
• Precautions to be taken before deriving a word
• How to arrive at the derivation of a word using derivation principles
• Adhikarin – qualities of a person deserving to study Nirukta
• Synonyms of words of Nighantu and their derivations
• Reference to some predecessors of Yaska

Interactive sessions where the last 10 minutes will be reserved for Q&A and interactions.

If you couldn’t attend Nirukta Chapter 1, don’t worry! You can still register using the link below to access the recordings and catch up on everything you missed.

Nirukta of Yaskacharya (Chapter 1)

No of sessions: 6

Duration:15 to 20 April 2025

Time: 7:15 to 8:15  PM IST

Facilitator: Prof. Gauri Mahulikar

Webinar Fees: ₹ 1500, US$ 40

Prerequisite

Any individual of any age, desirous to learn the ancient-most literature in the world, the Rigveda and learn more about the etymologies of words can join this workshop. One playing with words, interested in Linguistics would benefit from this workshop.

The lectures will be in English therefore basic knowledge of English is necessary.

Reference Text

महर्षि यास्ककृत निरुक्तम्, ज्ञानप्रकाश शास्त्री, परिमल, दिल्ली, २०१६ 

निरुक्तम्- छज्जूराम शास्त्री, मेहरचन्द्र लक्ष्मणदास, दिल्ली, १९६३।

The Nighantu and Nirukta of Sri Yaskacarya, Lakshman Sarup, MLBD, Delhi https://archive.org/details/nighantuniruktao00yaskuoft/page/n15/mode/2upepustakalay.com for Hindi and Marathi translations

A hard or soft copy of the English/Hindi/Marathi text is essential

About the Facilitator

Prof. Gauri Mahulikar is the Academic Director at CIF.
Dr. Mahulikar was the Gurudev Tagore Chair of Comparative Literature Professor, former Head of Department of Sanskrit at the Mumbai University and the former Dean of Faculty at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth.

She holds a Doctorate in Sanskrit on ‘Vedic Elements in Puranic Mantras and Rituals’. An author, who has published 8 books and over 100 research articles in English, Marathi, Hindi and Sanskrit, Dr. Mahulikar has mentored several doctoral students; eighteen of whom have successfully earned their doctorates.

To know more about Prof. Gauri Mahulikar please click here.

Contact Details

For further information or clarification

Contact: +91 92077 11511

Email: cifwebinars@chinfo.org